Columbus, Dublin M-F Projects Win Key Approvals

By Adrian Maties, Associate Editor

The Greater Columbus apartment construction boom continues with two new projects that will deliver more than 400 units. On May 16, the Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission approved Edwards Communities’ plans for a 324-unit apartment building as part of the first phase of redevelopment of the Dublin Village Center. Edwards will develop the project to the northeast of the existing AMC Theater.

The community will consist of 224 one-bedroom units and 100 two-bedroom units and will be marketed to young professionals. Plans also call for three lushly landscaped open-air atrium courtyards, a 7,500-square-foot community clubhouse and leasing center and 548 parking spaces, 341 of which will be within the building’s podium parking area. The developers plan to start construction later this year and to finish the project in 2014.

The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority plans to build a 100-unit apartment building for seniors on the site of the vacant Poindexter Village complex. The Columbus Board of Zoning Adjustment unanimously approved the plans, according to The Columbus Dispatch, despite protests from about 50 Near East Side residents.

Poindexter Village consists of 35 buildings. CMHA officials said rehabilitating the buildings isn’t feasible, as such a project would cost $42 million, the Dispatch reported. Twenty-five of the 35 buildings will be demolished after June 10. CMHA is still considering whether to preserve the remaining 10 buildings.

CMHA officials say that demolishing Poindexter Village will bring new life to the area, as further development will deliver 500 additional units of housing. Residents, however, contend that the buildings, which are more than 70 years old, are an important part of the area’s African-American History and should be preserved and rehabilitated.

Click here to see the Q1 2013 National Apartment Market Trends from Reis Reports.